The Heat
Music Review
Signature Ratings
0- What the hell
1- Borrow don't buy
2- Well...a couple of joints
3- Worth a listen
4- Off the hook
5- Buy it or die
Self Titled -Roger Gardella
By: Corbyn Bricie
We came across Roger Gardella's EPK on Sonicbids and thought we'd offer a word on his behalf. While this singer/songwriter doesn't descend upon you with resounding force, his vocals and songwriting is a warming thing. With songs like "I Will Make It Through" and "Thanksgiving Day" he brings to mind just plain-ole-fashioned country goodness. It's background music for the soul.
2 ½ Signatures
Second Glance -
Noel Lorica
By: Carolina Jones
Second Glance is a definite acoustical jazzy treat. There's an energy so alive and glowing on this CD that it cannot be missed. Seriously folks, Lorica's talent just saunters up and slaps you in the face. No denying it. Track 'El Viento' is the perfect seductive end to a sizzling summer day as Lorica's guitar sings in perfect melody, pitch and temperment to the the track. This is an album for wine and cheese tastings and helpful for adding the right romantic touch where as a mere mortal you might otherwise be lacking.
3 ½ Signatures
TOP
Rainin Again – Chuck Hodges
By: Carolina Jones
This is new fangled country with a rock edge done just right. While Chuck's voice is not the best we've ever heard, when combined with the musicality of the album he clearly can't be dismissed. A nice flow from start to finish, it does tend to be a little sad in subject matter but strangly uplifting in scope. It's a very enjoyable experience.
Stand out tracks (to us): 'Here in My Tree', 'Minutes and Miles', and 'Some Way Down'
3 Signatures
TOP
Forever and Never - Kortan
By: T. Mathenia
A sucker for yearning vocals that emit love and pain all at the same time, Kortan has found a warm, soft, fuzzy place in my heart with this album. This album has an organic live sound that's a little rough around the edges (but all heart-pumping energy), but I think he did it on purpose. Sounds a bit like his vocals are a struggle for him. But I think that's done on purpose as well. Like Ike & Tina, I like it rough.
Is it punk or rock? Sounds like a well mashed up blend of both. Vintage and Fresh. Am I back in the 80s or some distant time in an unpolished future? These are the exciting questions that this album brought to mind.
Stand out tracks for me on this are:
'You', 'Need You More', 'Tear All Guts Off'
3 Signatures
TOP
Self Titled - Samuel
By: Mut Asheru 
Yes Samuel is blessed with a heavenly voice which is a good thing as he's singing for the lord, but I must be honest. (Lord please don't strike me down) I can't really tell whether or not I would recommend picking up his EP as he only submitted a three track package. So why have I decided to review it...well because I'm excited by the promise I see here. Vocally a powerhouse, but I think his voice has a tendency to get away from him and overreach in places. The production quality is decent. But out of the three tracks, I can honestly say that the only track worth listening to is 'God Has Smiled On Me'.
2 Signatures
TOP
Self Titled - The Jetsetting
By: Carolina Jones
Newly formed (07). And I can only sorta tell. Nice music, but the leads voice is one that has been heard before. They have all the makings of a great band, but we'll have to wait for lead vocalist
Joseph Gehrmann to find a way to separate himself from the pack. Don't get me wrong, homeboy has a beautiful voice, I just don't think it will stand out from what's already out there. However, the lyrics are truly touching and un-typical. Yeah, the subject matter in the songs have been touched upon and touched upon, but when coupled with the drums and strong guitars and a few un-predictable chord progressions, it's safe to say that The Jetsetting is off to a great start. Please take a listen and decide for yourself. If I'm wrong, feel free to tell me I suck because as I sit listening to it...I'm actually falling in love with this EP.
[Editor's Note - We're actually undecided about this one. I see Carolina's points but dangit a couple of us actually really dig this EP. Because they've sparked such a wonderful discussion amongst us...we've decided to do a full feature. Look for it]
3 Signatures
TOP
Self Title - H.A.T.E
By: Corbyn Bricie
No doubt about it...this is Metal. Loud and ferocious, yet understandable lyrics. Way to go fellas, the force is alive and well with you. 'Metal Forever' is a wonderful ode to a genre that won't ever die. H.A.T.E gives us enough of pure metal energy to remind us of metal's 80s glory day but they are mindful enough to keep it fresh with thrashing guitars, thunderous drums on tracks 'Mankiller' and 'This Bullet's For You'.
3½ Signatures
TOP
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